CANAL: Plea to improve neglected Barnoldswick locks

Coun. David Whipp who is calling for Greenberfield Locks to be smartened up by the Canal and River Trust after falling into disrepair.'Photo Ben Parsons

Published:14:10Friday 02 November 2012

A “NEGLECTED” Barnoldswick beauty spot needs some tender loving care, according to a key local representative.

Coun. David Whipp is asking the Canal and Rivers Trust to restore Greenberfield Locks to its former glory.

Coun. David Whipp who is calling for Greenberfield Locks to be smartened up by the Canal and River Trust after falling into disrepair.'Photo Ben Parsons

“Just a few years ago, Greenberfield Locks won the national championship for best-kept locks,” said Coun. Whipp.

“Now, the area is shamefully neglected. The Leeds and Liverpool Canal is Britain’s finest inland waterway, with Barnoldswick’s summit stretch and Greenberfield Locks the crowning glory. But the area is descending into dilapidation.

“Drystone walls are tumbling down; signs, gates and benches are falling to bits; and the area is overgrown and unkempt.

“The locks are a listed landmark - if we’re not careful, they’ll look more like an ancient ruin.”

Coun. Whipp raised the issue at the last meeting of the West Craven Area Committee.

He asked that a representative of the organisation responsible for the canal meets councillors at the locks to discuss the problem.

He added: “A new charity - The Canal and Rivers Trust - has taken over running the canal from British Waterways. The trust gets £39 million a year grant from the Government.

“I’m asking them to spend a tiny fraction of their funds to renovate Greenberfield and keep it in good order.

“The locks are an important destination for visitors and very popular with locals, too. They should be in pride of place, not somewhere you’re ashamed of.”

Coun. Whipp is hoping to meet with the canal’s operators in the next few weeks.